David Freeze

By David Freeze

      National Parks began with Yellowstone in 1872, championed by congress and Presidents Ulysses S. Grant and Theodore Roosevelt among others. In 1921, a group of preservationists and conservationists met in Iowa to begin developing additional parks at the state level. By 1925, all 48 states started to develop state parks.

    North Carolina, like the other states, identified proposed state parks to preserve and protect unique recreational, historic, cultural and scenic areas. Timbering and mining were already causing significant damage to natural resources. The General Assembly moved quickly to designate Mt. Mitchell as NC’s first state park in 1915, with Fort Macon following in 1924. Many of the state’s most notable lakes came next.

    Park development took a giant step forward when President Franklin D. Roosevelt created the Civilian Conservations Corps, a public works program, that helped develop the early state park roads and trails, state natural areas, state historic sites and state rivers. Plans are in place to open the new Pisgah View State Park soon. Currently the NC Division of State Parks and Recreation manages over 250,000 acres and 22 million visitors annually.

    I spent a lot of time reading about those state parks this week and I’m excited about visiting them. Most have an active visitor center and walking or hiking trails. I plan to stop at the visitor center and walk or hike at least the most popular trail at each park. Planned timeline is to begin in the mountain state parks and finish it all by the end of 2024. I already have a framed map and will use pins to denote those visited along the way. There is also a state parks system passport available that I will complete with a stamp at each location.

     At this writing on Thursday, I just returned from my second spinal injury appointment. It has been four weeks since my first follow-up appointment and six weeks since the accident happened. I have been walking an average of three miles a day for the last 22 days. My back discomfort has been minimal recently.

     My spine doctors are at Carolina Neurology and Spine in Concord. On the first appointment, four weeks ago, I parked as far from the building as possible to see if I could walk that far. This time, I parked in the same spot and walked 200 feet normally. Without a wait, the new x-rays were made, and I saw the doctor right away.

     I had plenty of questions ready, but I had to wait my turn. The doctor told me that the healing looked good, and he wanted to schedule our next meeting in six weeks, meaning the second week of August. He said all looked good on the x-rays. I asked, “What can I do in the six weeks? Can I do more? And will it be possible for me to run again?” The last being the biggest question.

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     The doctor’s answer to that big question was a good one. He said, “If healing continues and all goes well, we should be able to look at you starting running then.” I was excited and still am, but I know it will be starting from scratch. Maybe I can be an actual beginning runner in my fall class. I sure hope so.

     The answers to my other questions were all the same. No, to returning to more normal lifting and farm work, or even arm curls. No, to doing pushups or planks. No, to anything but walking. I can live with that in hopes that running can return. The one concession, not something I expected, was that I don’t have to wear the back brace at home. And he reminded me to consume my protein, calcium and my vitamins.

     For the next six weeks, I will gather my patience and look at the big picture and follow directions. Thanks for the prayers and support again, both of which have kept the healing going!

    Our next local race will be the Run for the Greenway 5K and fun run at the Knox Middle School site on July 20^th. Look for it and a probable August prediction run at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org

By David Freeze

By David Freeze

Another Main Street Challenge 5K Success

    Rowan’s only remaining night race had everything a runner could want last Friday evening. Moderate summertime temperatures and decent humidity, plus the post-race favorite refreshments from Pizza Hut, Krispy Kreme and Food Lion and a fast course added to the fun.

    The main event 5K had top performances from Matthew Martin, a 28 year old speedster, who was born in China Grpve and Megan Osborne, who moved to town at 5 years old. Martin was the overall winner in 14 minutes and 55.3 seconds, topping second place Jorge Clemente who posted 15:55.6 and third place Bricen Burleson in 16:22.8.

    Osborne, 19, led the females at 18 minutes, 56.5 seconds, ahead of second place Elise Wrenholt at 19:25.4 and third place Katie Efird at 19:58.0.

    Martin, along with brother Jonathan, have been at the forefront of Rowan County running for more than a decade, led from start to finish and said, “Always love coming home to race and it was a really fun night!”

    Osborne didn’t realize that she was winning and was only looking for a PR (personal record). She had first competed in the race in 2013 and has ran most of them since. She said, “It is one of my favorite races and the community really shines. The course is fast and the weather was great. I have won a couple of local 5Ks and a half-marathon in Hendersonville.”

     John Gillespie of China Grove decided at the last minute that he wanted to enter the race after suffering multiple strokes in recent years. He said, This was my first 5K since 2021, I am glad it was a flat course because I had to put on my knee brace with a mile to go. Thank God I was able to finish it.” Gillespie posted a time of 68 minutes, 25.3 seconds.

     Runners also competed in a 200 yard Tot-Trot and a half-mile fun run. A total of 293 runners completed the 5K. Primary sponsors were the Town of China Grove, The South Rowan Y Service Club, Pizza Hut and Food Lion. Proceeds benefit the South Rowan YMCA scholarship programs.

    Complete results and more information on other upcoming races including the Shiloh Run for Missions 5K on June 29^th in Faith can be found at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org

By David Freeze

   As I write this, the farm accident occurred 20 days ago. I came home from the hospital after just three nights there. Sleep wouldn’t come and I couldn’t have been more uncomfortable trying to heal without it. The doctor asked me if I felt OK going home, and while totally surprised, I was glad to do it.

    Arriving home, I was extremely limited, both by plenty of rules and discomfort throughout my body. The nurse’s going home instructions said, “If it doesn’t feel good, you shouldn’t be doing it. You are the one who can mess up this recovery.” What I realized very soon was that nothing felt good. Not even sitting and certainly not standing.

    I have been sleeping well, but only in a recliner. I can’t lie down in a bed without aggravating the back. I was concerned about swelling in my legs and feet and poor balance. Both the spine doctor and Pam Roseman, Doctor of Physical Therapy said, “You need to start walking as soon as you can tolerate it.” They assured me that a lot of the swelling and back inflammation would be lessened with that.

    I couldn’t walk 10 steps without a walker or resting when I came home. The last four mornings, I have worked my way up to .66 of a mile although most of it has been in the driveway. Balance is slowly returning so in a few days I will try the road. I can also stand for more than five minutes in one place, and I can climb stairs slowly. The swelling in my feet and legs is gone. Bending is improving, within the prescribed limits. 

     Progress is being made and I credit the ongoing huge amount of prayers and community support. Thank you!! Another doctor’s visit is set for three weeks. Running remains far down the road. But I never will take walking for granted again!

    I revisited a term called active recovery this past week. Beginning to consistently walk will help me, but for other runners and athletes there are some tips that help too. Aches and pains are typical for those who exercise regularly. But active recovery will help lessen those problem areas. Here are some examples that incorporate gentle movement.

    During a sprinting workout, walk at a moderate pace in between sprints. During a strength workout, do some light calisthenics between sets instead of standing around. While waiting for the ball to enter your area during a soccer game, run in place to keep the heart rate up.

    After a hard bike ride or run, slowly keep the wheels turning or the legs moving to end the session with easy movement.  After a moderate run, walk or jog slowly at about a 40 to 50% effort.

    You can even make good use of a rest day. For runners, ride a stationary bike or climb on an elliptical. Other options are walking with a friend, using a rowing machine or swimming laps. Spend some quality time with a foam roller.

     These listed activities are also good options on the day after a race. I have always found better recovery by doing something instead of just lying in bed. Even after a marathon, your body wants to move. In fact, one of my best memories was walking a mile back to the hotel after the New York City Marathon. The dreaded soreness was much less of a factor the next day. But don’t ruin any of these things by taking a long hot bath. Soreness and inflammation will follow for the muscles that you just did good things for.

      Our next race is the Shiloh Missions 5K in Faith on Saturday, June 29^th. Look for it and other events at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org

By David Freeze

   My column last week updated everyone on the latest from my farm accident. The Gotta’ Run column from last week got lost online somehow, but it can be found now in the Lifestyles section. What you may have missed is my fall from a front-end loader on May 15^th that resulted in a broken back. This past week has been a tough one, with not a step of running likely to happen in the foreseeable future.

    Today’s news is the first follow-up appointment after the accident at Carolina Neurosurgery and Spine in Concord. After two weeks of varying levels of discomfort, I was happy to get to see scans and x-rays of my spine and the areas of concern. I am also glad to move forward and work toward a more comfortable existence that improves most days.

    Discomfort has been improving this week, but I still have a serious ache in my left hip and leg. The doctor, a fellow cyclist, told me to keep doing what I am, and they would see me in a month. I have his email and will ask a few questions during the month. Recovery is still a long way off, but we took a giant step forward today as the scans looked good except for one place where the spinal column is slightly pinched. Healing is occurring and I’m praying that the discomfort that keeps me from standing for more than a few minutes will soon subside. Thanks again for the tremendous outpouring of support in texts, emails, calls, cards and prayers. I’ve probably not eaten so well in my life, but calories burned are insignificant, so moderation is the key.

     A few weeks back, I wrote about the importance of an accurately measured course for any road race distance. More than 20 years ago, Salisbury had an issue with too many courses that were measured short, especially with any that started at Catawba College and not named Winter Flight. It has been my personal crusade to measure accurately all the courses we use in Salisbury and Rowan County. I mentioned the only accurate way to measure a course is with a solid measuring wheel, and that certainly none of the online measurers like mapmyrun are good enough.

     I happened to run into Marcel Renn at Father and Son Produce the following Monday morning after the column ran. Mr. Renn reminded me that a 5K course, the key word being kilometer instead of 3.1 miles, is actually 32 feet longer than a 3.1 mile course. Since most of our courses are called 5 kilometers in distance, remember to add that 32 feet to make it accurate. 3.1 miles is 16,368 feet and 5 kilometers is 16,400, but 16,404 by another source when using five decimal places. It all starts to make my head hurt.

     And finally, one of the county’s best races is set for Friday night, June 7 in China Grove. The 5K race, a half mile fun run and 200-yard tot-trot are all set for Main Street, hence the name Main Street Challenge 5K. The South Rowan YMCA benefits its scholarship programs with this 9pm race, the only night race remaining in the county.

     All the races are straight out and back to the finish near the fire department. Streets will be well lit and expect a party atmosphere through town with residents lining the streets and likely a fire department water truck splashing any runners who need to cool off just before the finish.

     The Main Street Challenge is officially the fastest 5K in the state of NC after Donnie Cowart set the super sizzling course record there two years ago of 14 minutes and 6 seconds. Pizza, doughnuts, watermelon and a commemorative t-shirt are included while an abundance of finisher awards go to the overall and age group top participants. China Grove runner Robert Miller broke the long-standing state 5K record for age 50-54 males last year.

    Look for more information on this and other upcoming events at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org

By David Freeze

Now I’m hoping to run again!

   Last week, I wrote about how to handle a slump in your exercise performance, of course having no idea that I would experience a serious farm accident last Wednesday afternoon. The result of the accident, a fall from a farm tractor’s front-end loader, has reset my priorities and refocused my attention.

   Last Wednesday had been a near perfect day, beginning with a United Way volunteer appreciation breakfast at Landis Elementary School. Then, one of my favorite annual activities was completed with the 2024 version of the Special Olympics Torch Run from south Salisbury to Spencer that totaled about 5.9 miles. A nice late breakfast at Hendrix followed and then it was off to work on trimming limbs around a hay field on a cool afternoon. That 5.9 mile run will be my last for the foreseeable future.

     After finishing the hay field work, a freak accident caused me to be thrown backwards and down from 9-10 feet, ending with a broken lower back. I had my sixth 178 mile Reno Tahoe Odyssey team run scheduled next week and likely had settled on a bike ride around Lake Michigan for late July and much of August. The Dragonboat competition is set for July 27^th. Those things won’t happen for me now, but with a lot of luck, prayer and God’s grace, I hope to do them again in the coming years.

    We’re trying to heal the back naturally, without any rods and pins which was the first recommendation. I have at least enough of a chance to do this that the surgeons agreed to try. So I am in a surprisingly comfortable back brace for months into the future. Sleeping has been good since leaving the hospital and my appetite has returned. But there won’t be any mental therapy from exercise any time soon which I will miss terribly.

   From what I understand, my lower back is broken, and two bones need to heal back together. I have three vertebrae with damage. My legs work but not very quickly and they get tired easily. My back doesn’t like to stand erect, but I push to improve the posture. That is about all the pushing I’ve done on anything as I have decided to proceed easily as my body allows and for once to follow doctors’ orders.

    This week I have been using a walker to get around, learning how to minimize trips across the house and especially not to forget anything as I pass by. I can’t pick up anything from the floor as those doctors’ orders include no bending, especially forward which could derail the attempt to heal naturally. The process to take a shower is exhausting and only my second attempt since the accident is just ahead of finishing this column. Carrying a plate of food or even a spoon is a challenge. I dropped two spoons this week and left them exactly where they fell until the next visitor came by.

     I’ve always said that the best thing about my cross-country bike rides is the people. No doubt, the best thing about this accident is the people too. The outpouring of love, support and prayers has been tremendous and has caused me more than a few tears of acknowledgment. The heartfelt visits, messages and calls have bolstered my belief that some day there will be running and cycling again. But even bigger is bolstering my belief that good people are still around us, no matter what the news networks say. Thank you all so much!

     I often end my bike riding reports with some version of “Lord, Ride with Me Today.” I am embarking on my biggest challenge yet, so come along as the adventure begins. I’ll do updates as they become worthy in this column.  

    Our next race locally is the Main Street China Grove Challenge 5K on Friday evening, June 7^th. Check for this and other events at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org 

By David Freeze

Editor’s note: Please keep David in your prayer. He was injured working out on his farm. He is in the hospital recovering. He is believing the Lord for a full recovery and we are joining our faith with his. Thank you!

Beating the inevitable running slump

  A lot of us think that the quality of the day’s run has much to do with our overall day. So what should we do when several days of running are a slog, not up to par and not the boost to the day that we expect?

   Over 45 years of running, those slumps have come along occasionally. The energy level is down, it’s harder to push yourself out the door and the struggle to complete the run is much harder than it should be. And then with the memory of several poor runs over the last few days, you begin to expect less than what you should. This run goes south and then there is little excitement for the next day. None of this is normal, so what should we do?

    Several factors could be part of the slump. Take time to analyze what is different than usual in your life. Is stress or anxiety a big issue? Has sleep been normal? Are you experiencing high humidity or unusual temperatures, either warm or cold? Is motivation in other parts of your life an issue?  All of these are barriers that could be affecting your performance.

    It’s time to sit down and make a list of all the reasons you love to run, whether it be the positive physical or mental aspects of a better body and mind. Maybe it’s just because you love the competition with yourself or others, or even that you have a big race coming up.

   If the running slump has recently become an issue and you’re doing something different in training, take a hard look at that. Are you training harder than ever before, possibly including a goal that is quite a stretch or significantly more miles than recent weeks or months?

    Lots of runners are Type A personalities and they don’t want to hear the word “rest”. Even writing it was hard for me to do. However, the most common reason runners struggle to get themselves out of their slump is lack of proper recovery. Usually, it’s lack of proper recovery that started them on a downward spiral in the first place. Especially if the running goal is long term, like half-marathon or marathon training. Or the goal is to log a lot of miles for some type of personal goal.

   Naturally, when runners start to have a bad bout of training or suffer through a series of races, they begin to train harder believing that it is a lack of fitness holding them back. It is all in our nature to keep pushing even when the legs just won’t seem to respond normally.

     For sure, a rest day won’t hurt your fitness, nor will two. But those off days are hard to take mentally. I think the most important part is to clear your mind of all the difficult workouts or bad races and begin to turn your thoughts to the future. Instead of focusing on the negative of the past workouts, start each training day anew and with a positive mindset.

            Likewise, focus on taking each training session one day at a time. Don’t worry about your previous workouts and don’t fret over a certain training pace for a few days.  Concentrate on what you need to do in the moment and how you need to execute for that one workout only. Push less hard and enjoy looking around.

The one thing that always works for me is to stop at Ralph Baker Shoes for the latest new shoes or socks. Anyway, bottom line, do something different and something new, stress less.

The next race locally is the Bare Bones 5k and Fun Run at the Knox Middle School location. Look for this race and others at www.Salisburyrowanrunners.org.

Hi Readers, I am sending this request out on behalf of David. He was working on his farm on Wednesday when he took a big fall and broke his back. He is in the trauma unit in Concord. Please keep him in your prayers. Ask that God guide the doctors as they work to treat David. We are believing for a full recovery! We believe that our God is able to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all that we can ask, think, or imagine.

I will keep you updated….

Thank you!

By David Freeze

    Local runners and walkers have noticed a rapidly improving runner the last few months. At 60 years of age, Shanna Matlock was already good when she started racing, but she’s knocked almost three minutes off her 5K time since March. Her sizzling time of 22 minutes and 58 seconds grabbed the first overall female win this past Friday evening at the TWAM 5K.

    In high school, Shanna didn’t try out for any sports because she thought she wasn’t good enough. She said, “I started dating this boy who ran some and I ran with him in his neighborhood occasionally. He would run a 5K and periodically I would go with him and try to run but I wasn’t committed. I never placed in any races because of that lack of commitment.”

   The last 15 years were different. Shanna started walking and then gradually became a very fast walker. People saw her walking and thought she was jogging. Her pace was that fast!

  At the beach, not on sand but on the road, she walks 10-12 miles a day. Shanna said, “I love walking and could walk all day. Now I walk one mile to get my legs warmed up and then run 5-7 miles and end it by walking one more mile. That is my routine at home or at the beach.”

    Last September was Shanna’s first 5K since high school. She said, “Much older, I ran the Run for the Word 5K in Landis for three reasons. The money being raised benefited a great cause, it was right in my hometown, and I wanted to see how fast I could run a 5K at my age. Able to run the complete distance, I was surprised at my finish time of 25:53. I accomplished what I set out to do and had fun achieving that goal! Since then, I have continued my walking/running 5K races and having fun. I run because it is FUN!”

    Shanna counts running as a fun way to exercise and meet new friends while listening to their running stories. She often runs new routes with steep hills for practice, but again just for fun!  Shanna added, “When I run the 5K races, my friends want to know my time. I just tell them I don’t know because I don’t look at my finish time. I just want to finish and have fun!”

   Always a Rowan resident, Shanna grew up in China Grove and lives in Landis with her husband Randy and son Spencer. She is a program leader for Discovering Yourself through Barnyard Adventures at Happy’s Farm, as well as a volunteer with other programs there.

     March 23,2024 was Shanna’s favorite moment in running. She said, “I ran the Mt. Hope Run for Missions 5K at Salisbury Community Park and invited my brothers and sisters, their children and grandchildren to come take part in this race. I wanted them to do it in memory of our dad because that day was his birthday and also in memory of our mom and dad’s anniversary on March 20th. My mom was a strong supporter of missions at South China Grove Baptist Church up to the day that God took her home.  My three brothers and their wives came out and took part. They walked or ran the 5K or cheered those of us on that were walking and running. My two sisters were not able to make it because of prior plans. My best friend, Rhonda Roseman, also walked and was a proud sponsor of the 5K. She had a secret surprise printed on the back of the shirts in honor of my birthday. That day was extra special because my family took part in that 5K with me! I just love the fellowship and camaraderie of family and running friends!”

   Shanna’s running goals are to have more fun running, make it across each finish line and to run a 10K race soon.

    Look for upcoming events including the Ed Dupree 5K on May 18^th at East Rowan High School. www.salisburyrowanrunners.org Most likely, you’ll see Shanna too!

By David Freeze

    I first met Kayla Sechler when we covered her sister Kassidy’s battle with heart disease. Kayla has her own impressive story about how she approaches life. Kayla has Cerebral Palsy, yet she’s taking life by the horns and charging forward.

    Back before Covid, I was able to see a mid-40’s female teacher with full blown Cerebral Palsy train for a year to finish her 5K. It remains the most moving experience related to running that I have ever witnessed when she crossed the finish line. Kayla is made of the same mold and just as inspiring as she committed to do the Love Thy Neighbor 5K last March 16^th.   

     Cerebral Palsy is caused by an abnormality in the brain that happens before, during or after birth. Kayla was diagnosed at 18 months old with Spastic Diplegia Cerebral Palsy. This form of Cerebral Palsy affects the muscle tone and spasticity of the muscles. Luckily for Kayla, it only affects her legs.  Kayla said, “The form of CP I have affects the spasticity of my muscles, meaning that my brain is constantly sending signals to my leg muscles to continuously contract, causing stiffness.”

    The reason Kayla chose to participate in this 5K was to benefit her sister, while also completing a post-surgical goal to complete a 5K that she set back in January 2022 after her own big procedure. Doctors straightened her legs by breaking both femurs and her left tibia, along with an arch reconstruction on the left foot, tendon lengthening in both legs and a split tendon transfer in the right foot. After surgery she had two metal rods, 18 screws and two metal plates to hold her bones together as they healed. The eventual removal of the screws and plates helped with pain and her ability to walk. 

    Kayla described her 5K effort, “I felt great until about the mile and a half mark. My legs started getting a little shaky and I started feeling tired. I think what kept me going the most was having my former teacher, Ashley Lanning, by my side through the entire race. The final mile was the hardest for me as I was worn out. Having my sister, Kas, finish the race with me was super special and something I will never forget.”

    To offset the effects of CP, Kayla uses constant stretching and moving to keep her muscles as active as possible so that they don’t tighten up to the point where she is unable to walk without assistance or wheelchair bound.  

    Kayla’s calendar is full. She said, “I am a leader for Young Life of Rowan County, a program for high schoolers to come together and worship with one another. I am also a leader of a group called Circle of Friends for those with intellectual and physical disabilities at First Baptist Church in Salisbury, NC. I volunteered at Special Olympics during the past year and have been a volunteer for Vacation Bible School at First Reformed Church in Landis, NC.”

     While crediting her parents, Kayla said, “They have never failed to make sure I had everything I needed, whether it was seeing the best doctors or putting food on the table, my parents do absolutely everything in their power to provide for both my sister and me. At the age of four, I became a big sister, and I have to say that has been the biggest blessing in my life. We may not always agree with one another but with everything we have both gone through, she remains by my side through it all.”

   A 21-year-old junior at Catawba College majoring in Sport Management, Kayla hopes to eventually complete her master’s degree. In just a few short weeks, she begins an internship with the Winston-Salem Dash, a minor league affiliate to the Chicago White Sox. At Catawba, she does data analysis for the baseball team, and in the fall she begins volunteering her time with the football team as a football operations student manager.

    Kayla said, “I have many goals, but my biggest dream for as long as I can remember is working in the world of sports and being the gateway for other women with disabilities who want to do the same. After watching countless hours of sporting events, ranging from football to baseball, with a little bit of collegiate basketball and cheering on my sister in her many sporting events, I love being in the atmosphere of sports.” 

    And she added, “I am planning to do another 5K sometime in November that benefits Shriners Children’s Hospital-Greenville in South Carolina.”

     Kayla is a winner and a success in the making in all her endeavors.      A short update on Kassidy includes a recent hospital stay to change heart medications that can only be used short term. Your prayers would be greatly appreciated for both girls and their family.